Shailesh Shrivastava email: s.shrivastava@mobilenapps.com
Apple, which failed miserably with its Apple Maps, is reportedly in talks with Israel-based company, Waze, for its navigation feature.
According to the Israeli technology Web site News-Geek, Apple offered about half-a-billion dollars to Waze for the deal. Though, Apple and Waze both have refused to comment on the issue, a source of TechCrunch confirms that "negotiations are advanced, but Waze wants $750M and Apple is willing to do $400M plus $100m in incentives. Waze had less than $1M in revenues last year (primarily from ads). Negotiations may take awhile."
Waze is the maker of the popular crowd-sourcing maps and traffic application that is already available in Apple's App Store. It is a social satellite-navigation application that mostly works on users' participation. By connecting drivers to one another, it helps people create communities that work together to improve the quality of people's daily driving.
The app also helps users in getting traffic, diversions, or accident related updates on different routes. It lets users update the maps which helps regular drivers finding new and shorter routes.
Apple's move to get Waze under its brand is being seen as a damage-control step after the Apple Maps created so many troubles for its users.
After the Apple Maps fiasco, Apple was forced to bring down its map service. Because of the wrong directions and inappropriate maps, the users had to face so many troubles.
The extent of the troubles had gone so high that Apple CEO, Tim Cook, had to apologies to the users personally.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better," Cook had said in a letter to Apple customers.
He also recommended the use of Waze and other map applications until Apple fixed the problem. "While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app."
most read
more stories from News
Learn about Apple's settlement in the class-action lawsuit over iPhone 7 audio issues, offering up to $349 compensation for eligible users. Dive into the details and implications of this landmark agreement.
ernest hamiltonThousands of Apple users experienced a major iMessage outage on Thursday evening, impacting communication across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Downdetector reported over 13,000 disruptions starting at 6 p.m. ET. Stay updated with the latest developments and potential fixes.
ernest hamiltonDelve into the complexities of managing screen time for children as parents navigate between practicality and idealism.
ernest hamiltonDiscover why the Pixel 7a outperforms the new Pixel 8a in this detailed comparison. Learn about the advantages in affordability, color options, and feature parity. Read now to make an informed choice!
ernest hamiltonDiscover the future of smartphone audio with Moondrop's MIAD 01. Explore its dual audio jacks and premium DACs in this in-depth review. Ready to elevate your music experience? Read now!
ernest hamiltonUnveiling Android's AI evolution with Gemini integration, Discover how AI is poised to combat scams and revolutionize security. Stay informed and secure!
ernest hamiltonDiscover how Samsung's innovative Knox Journals are revolutionizing user privacy and data control. Learn how cutting-edge features empower users to take control of their devices and safeguard their personal information.
ernest hamiltonThe latest AI breakthroughs unveiled at Google I/O 2024, from Project Astra's revolutionary AI assistance to Gemini integration in Google Workspace and Android 15 innovations. Dive into the future of technology with seamless AI experiences.
ernest hamilton